Posts Tagged ‘hope’

I’ve been trying to write a blog post for awhile…apparently a few months. From the last time I blogged time has flown. There’s been a wonderful community event called Chautauqua, the adoption of an 11 year old Domestic Shorthair cat called Buddy, the Ordination of our Deacon, a terrible tragedy that claimed the lives of three men, a Memorial Service for those men, and a surprise birthday party for my 50th.

Chautauqua took on a life of it’s own this year in a new format that had all events taking place in the historic downtown core. The Fall Fair took place the same weekend and the grounds at City Hall were filled with animals of all shapes and sizes, vendors showing their wares, artists and crafters showing their trades and a community out to enjoy a beautiful Autumn celebration. My little parish hosted the Community Ecumenical Service and it was an absolute success. Folks started coming in just before the official event time and kept coming in for the first 20 minutes. It was glorious. We finished the service in time to get to the Senior’s Centre that was hosting a High English Tea. A Harvest Supper at the Catholic Church rounded out a weekend filled with activity, history, wonder and joy.

Buddy is a cranky black cat, missing one canine tooth who was looking for a forever home. The other cats on the SPCA website were all cuddly and adorable. Buddy looked at the photographer like he could care less…or if he had pose-able digits would have raised his middle finger. He’s cranky, he hisses a lot, has a mean meow and reminds me of my late father. So of course, I was hooked. He doesn’t like being picked up…or touched…I am allowed to pet him within very strict parameters that I have not yet learned. He’s not particularly patient with me, hence the hissing. He likes to hide under the dining room table. He likes to be in the same room as me, but not too close. He’s afraid of the mop and the vacuum and doesn’t climb. So far so good…but I’m unsure of his assessment of me as his staff. After all, they say dogs have owners and cats have staff.

Ordination is one of the great celebrations of the Church. A faithful woman of God was Ordained in Christ’s Holy catholic Church and we gathered to celebrate. We sang her favourite hymns, surprised her with an Anthem. She was feted and celebrated and the parish commissioned a red Deacon’s stole for her which she helped to design. An absolutely gorgeous design featuring flames and doves in shades of red, blue and white. Absolutely spectacular for an absolutely spectacular child of God.

On the 17th of October my brother was returning to Calgary after visiting me overnight. I took him to see the Church and he signed the Guest Book. I went to a meeting at a Retirement home across the street from the local Arena. Little did I know that our community would be rocked to it’s very core that day. The winds were high and sky was a strange colour. The atmosphere around town was eerie. Hurricane force winds blew the power out twice and we were in the dark for a couple of hours the second time. I was checking my Facebook feed and saw that there had been an accident at the Arena and the surrounding neighbourhood had been evacuated…including the residents I had visited earlier that day. I went to the evacuation centre and tried to provide some comfort, some humour and a few hugs. Three men died that day. They went to work and didn’t come home. And even now, months later, there is still a void in the community. The residents returned home within a week, but there is still a sense of unease. However, this community did what it does best and came together in a show of support. We will always remember those who died, but too will we remember the community that showed support and love to one another. The road is long before us but we will get there…together.

A Community Memorial Service was held on the 12th of November on the grounds of the high school. It was damp, overcast, chilly day but there was an air of hope. The community choir sang, my United Church colleague and I offered prayer at the beginning and ending of the service. Three eulogies were shared, many tears were shed and a group of strangers gathered as family.

I don’t like surprise parties…especially when I’m the one being surprised…but that’s exactly what happened on the 25th of November, the day before my 50th birthday. My congregation decided that I needed to celebrate this milestone and so I was duped into leaving town for the day with a friend who needed to run errands and I was there to be company in the car, navigate and carry stuff. We got back at 5:30 and the street was lined with cars. I thought my Roman colleague was having a larger than average attendance at Mass. And then I saw a parishioners car parked where it usually isn’t. Then I looked at the lawn of the Rectory and saw 50 pink flamingos…and a sign notifying all and sundry that is was my 50th. I walked into the Church, down to the parish hall and opening the door heard “SURPRISE!” I was shaking and smiling and unable to remember my name at that point as I saw friends, neighbours, parishioners and colleagues gathered to celebrate a half-century. I was presented with a “birthday girl” pink sash, pink star sunglasses and a birthday tiara. Many of the guests wore pink. And everyone knew I was surprised… We feasted on potluck fare, a birthday cake that read “Happy Birthday Princess Flamingo” I took many photographs and opened many cards and gifts, one of the most special being a painting a parishioner and friend painted with birch trees and a winter sun…it is spectacular. There was a trivia game with 50 questions related to my life…and those assembling the game had help from my brother, my spiritual advisor and friend. It was great fun…and while I still don’t like surprises, it was a blessing to celebrate with so many wonderful people.

When the tragedy took place in October I realised just how much this community has become home for me…and how the folks that live here are my family. Seeing such a large collection of people at the birthday party reinforced this to me. I am loved very much here and I love this place very much.

If the rest of my 50th year is anywhere near as awesome as the first few weeks, I’m in for an absolutely AWESOME year!

Tomorrow is the 25th of January, Bell Canada’s “Let’s Talk” initiative to help quell the stigma of mental illness. Celebrities have recorded brief interviews and have stepped up in raising awareness of depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar disorder, etc.

As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety the past couple of months have been scary. I am a Canadian, and proud to be one. Our neighbours to the south elected a new President and it seems the world has been in a tailspin since. Every day the rhetoric increases, the attacks get more personal and social media is reaching a frenzy status on who is right and who is wrong.

What scares me is the increasing vitriolic hatred that both sides of the debate engage. There is hurt and anger and a decided lack of respect. There seems to be no acknowledgment of the other side as a human being. Memes spring up everywhere and there are veritable twitter wars and Facebook battles over who is right and who is wrong. Over who is telling the truth and who is lying.

We seem to have lost the respect of basic human dignity. Regardless of whether you are a supporter or protester of POTUS, we need to come together in unity. He needs to be held accountable. We need to ensure our voices are raised in unison. Can we please, please stop with the division and hatred.

I don’t like being told that as I woman “I must” feel a certain way or behave in a certain manner. I don’t appreciate being told as a Christian “I must” say certain things and if I fail to do so I am a disgrace to Christianity.

I am a child of God. So are you. So is POTUS. So is our Prime Minister. So is everyone we meet.

I’m tired of the anger. I’m tired of the hurt. I’m tired of the hatred. I want to join the revolution of love. I want to change the world with respect; with words of empowerment and love. I can and will change how I view the world by looking through lenses of love and respect.

I short, I refuse to hate.

My mental health is always fragile in January…I’m not really sure why…but it is and I tend to cocoon more than usual, trying to stay warm and safe.

I am blessed in being surrounded by people who love me. Who hold me when I cry, who bolster me when I struggle. Who check in because I am on their mind and in their heart. I am blessed to love many of those who surround me. And lately, I’ve begun to fall in love with myself.

I know I am not perfect. I never will be. And that’s okay. In God’s eyes I am created in perfection and that’s more than good enough for me.

There is a South African word, Ubuntu, that means “I am because you are”. In other words, I can’t be who I am without you. It doesn’t mean that everyone has to agree and think the same. It means we have the right and even the responsibility to disagree and hold one another accountable for our words and actions. It means we are all in this life together. It’s a way of living, an understanding, that is both powerful and profound.

If we embrace Ubuntu, perhaps we, together, can change this cruel world in which we live?

You don’t have to look far to stumble across Year in Review articles, posts and memories.

For a lot of the world 2016 was a bad year. For me, it was a year of new beginnings. This time last year I knew I was moving to British Columbia, and only about 10 other people did. A handful from both congregations. It was not an easy decision to make, to leave my parish, my friends and family behind.

God was beckoning me to something I had never experienced…I had always imagined if I was going to leave Ontario, it would be for the Maritimes, not the Mountains…and here I am. The province of British Columbia is different. I live about as East as you can and still be in BC. I live about a south as you can and still be in BC. The closest neighbouring “city” is an hour away (West). I can get to the state of Montana in less than half an hour.

The climate here has reminded me of Northeastern Ontario. Nearly two weeks of bitter cold, and bright sun. A part on the furnace at the Church froze and we were without a furnace on Sunday. So we all snuggled together on the side of the Church that still had heat and it was grand.

I’ve not written as much as I thought I would over this past year. It’s been a year of firsts and yet my 9th year in ministry. I’ve reflected on times as a student, a lay pastor, a summer pastor, a Deacon and a Priest. It’s been wonderful participating in the life of the community; both of the Church and of Fernie itself. I’m becoming “known” in the community, and in (mostly) good ways.

I am blessed to have made some friends here and one or two very close friends. I have experienced a deep, abiding love from this congregation. I’ve heard a few times “we’re so glad you came” and I feel very much the same. 2016 has been a year of transition, a year of anticipation, expectation, participation…moving with what could fit in my car plus another 20 or so boxes across the country to a furnished house.

Slowly, I am making this house a home…personal touches, hanging artwork, acquiring little things for the house. I am able to keep in touch with my family and friends “back East” thanks to technology and even letter writing.

In speaking with a colleague and friend who was worried about me living so far from family and friends, he asked how I was doing. I told him I was happy; truly happy for the first time in a very long time.

I am content in who I am. In who God has called me to be and where God has called me to serve. I am part of the LGBTQ+ community in Fernie and beyond. I am part of the Arts community in Fernie and beyond. I am joining the Symphony of the Kootenays Chorus in January. I am a patron of the Arts Station, the Library and the Museum.

I have met people who love me and who I love. And for that I feel incredibly blessed.

My Mam turned 80 in 2016 and I was able to be with her for her birthday in August. I saw friends I had not seen in decades and it was wonderful. And yet I found myself pining for the mountains. When I flew over the Rockies towards home I felt a catch in my chest. Is this where I was meant to be? Driving from Cranbrook to Fernie, I saw the mountains again and felt as though I were home. It was a wonderful feeling.

This winter I am going to learn to snowshoe. I am going to explore hiking trails. Some days I will stay inside, wrapped in a blanket and sip tea. And some days I will laugh until my sides hurt, or cry until I can’t breathe.

Here, in the Elk Valley, is where God called me to be. I am a child of God, created in God’s image, which is one of perfection. I am waiting with baited breath for the birth of the one who will set us all free…waiting to receive the perfect gift.

I am nervous about my first Christmas in the West. But I will continue to put one foot in front of the other and know I am loved. I will look through the windshield more than the rear view mirror because 2017 will be my best year yet. I will turn 50, I will savour every moment of every day. I will continue to love and be loved. I will continue to work towards the coming of God’s kingdom, knowing that together; heart to heart, hand in hand, we can and we will change the world.

From my heart to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy and Healthy New Year and a Blessed Epiphany.

I struggle, at times, with depression and anxiety. Most of the time I can cope with medication, relaxation, proper diet, exercise and rest. Lately I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, and it’s completely understandable why I’m feeling this way.

On Friday I’m having surgery. For the second time in my life I will go under general anesthetic. I’m not afraid of the surgery. The surgeon has reassured me that he anticipates the procedure will go well. The procedures I’m having are minor, taking 20 minutes in total. The anesthesiologist has reassured me that all shall be well. She asked if I was nervous and I said I wasn’t and smiled. She asked why I was smiling and I replied “if things don’t go well, it won’t be my problem…it will be yours. As you’ll get to tell my congregation”. And we both laughed.

What I fear is the unknown. Which is truly a silly thing to fear. And I participate in mental gymnastics…what if I get an infection…what if it takes me hours to come out of the anesthetic…what if something goes wrong? All legitimate questions, all with unknown answers. Try to explain that to my anxiety.

I’m not worried about the congregation. My Wardens and Licensed Lay Ministers will take care of everything in the parish. My Regional Dean will look after any pastoral emergencies. And still my innards flutter.

So, between now and Thursday morning when I find out the actual time of the surgery I will keep myself busy, which isn’t difficult to do. The difficult part is remembering to take time to breathe, to care for myself…to do everything I can to release the anxiety I feel.

I’m staying with a good friend in the community where I’m having the surgery to make sure that I properly rest and don’t overdo things. Left to my own devices I would push myself too hard and too soon. I’m told it will be approximately 10 days before I can return to work…I’m giving myself 14 days. And I fully anticipate returning to work at a bit slower pace then I am maintaining right now.

If you are a person who prays, I ask for your prayers for myself, and also for the doctor’s, nurses and support staff who will take care of me through the surgery. I ask for your prayers for those who will care for me after the surgery until I am able to care for myself.

My newsfeed has been flooded with devastating news…attrocities happening around the world, children snatched from their parents and injured or killed, senseless violence continues to happen and it feels overwhelming…

I’ve spent less time on Social Media than I usually do because the majority of the news I read is upsetting. Hate crimes seem to be rampant; one of the most devastating was the nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. A gunman opened fire and killed 49 people, injuring another 50. Mainstream media are having difficulty naming it for what it is…a hate crime. A man opened fire in a gay club because he had seen two men kissing and it had enraged him.

He was called mentally unstable. He was called an Islamic fanatic. The truth is, he was a man filled with hate. And the crime he committed was not a crime of passion, but a crime of hatred.

All around the world there have been demonstrations of solidarity; the Tony awards paid tribute to the victims of the senseless crime. A showing that love always wins. A barrage of pride flags adoring websites, and being flown from flag poles all over the globe. One man’s hatred is being overshadowed by many people’s love.

And yet, I have seen three separate instances of “Christians” saying that the 49 killed were not enough. Of celebrating the gunman as a hero. In the name of God. In the name of Jesus. That is NOT okay.

I am a Christian. I am a proud Christian. And the God I worship is one who is about love…not hate. The Christ to whom I pledged my life gave us two commandments; to love God, and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. There’s no room for hate when we love.

So to my LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, I stand beside you. I walk with you. I love you as God loves you and please, don’t let ANYONE take that from you. These narrow minded pastors are not of God. They don’t speak for God. They are not Christian. They are hatred. And love always wins.

Please, if you disagree or don’t understand “alternative lifestyles” don’t think you have the right to kill someone. You have the right to your opinion. You have the right to not understand. But you do NOT have the right to hurt someone else because of your ignorance. Sexuality is as biological as eye colour, nose size and handedness. And for the record, there is more written about left-handedness then homosexuality in scripture.

Stop taking the sacred word of scripture and twisting it out of context to support your bigoted and hateful ways. Love always wins.

There are people who don’t believe I should be ordained because of my gender. They hate me because of it. I can’t do anything about that hatred, but I can love. And I do.

Take heart my sisters and brothers; we will not forget those of you who stand up to hatred and violence every day. We will speak up for those who fear to walk alone at night. We will hold the hands and march alongside those who only want to live their authentic life.

There are those who will live in fear and will lash out. Our reply must to be respond with love. It’s not easy to turn the other cheek. It’s not easy to stand up to bullies, but together we can. We must.

I’m exhausted. I’m not really sure why…but I suspect it has more to do with emotional than physical exhaustion. Usually I’m up to date with emails and phone calls. I’m terrific at keeping up to date with filing, correspondence and all that kind of stuff. And yet lately, I’m finding myself getting behind, and while aggravated, I’m not worried about getting it done…as I guess I know it will get done.

I decided a week or so ago that it was time to put the paperwork together to file for divorce. As an educated woman I thought the process would be relatively simple…and after spending far too much time on the provincial website, only to discover that the jpg reader was out of date on my laptop, I debated about spending the $1,000 to get someone else to file the paperwork.

I had a cup of tea, a frustrated cry and started again the next day. And much to my amazement, I was able to navigate the forms with relative ease. This afternoon I took the carefully prepared forms to the court hours in the next largest city to the one where I live. The Registrar was very helpful and found a couple of mistakes. She also told me I needed to present her with 4 copies of all the documents. So I went to a friend’s home and made the corrections, then made copies of the forms and took them back to the Court House.

I now have a court file number that needs to go on all the other forms. As soon as I can arrange it, my soon-to-be ex-husband will be served with the primary document. The challenge of that is he lives in a different province…but it is doable.

Tonight when I got home I realised just how weary I was. I had an hours sleep and was supposed to meet with a couple for pre-marriage planning but I was simply too tired, so we’ve rescheduled for next week. Easy enough.

I’ve been looking at short hairstyles on Pinterest. I’ve decided I need a change in my appearance…and hair is the ultimate fashion accessory. I’m going to see my hairdresser tomorrow and hopefully either get it cut or make an appointment to get it cut. It’s time for a change.

My summer wardrobe is flowy dresses, capri’s and sandals. When its necessary to wear a clergy shirt, I wear one with one of the dresses. Definitely built for comfort this time of year.

As I reflect back on who I was before I came West I can see a significant shift in me. I’m more confident that I was before. I am far less afraid. I am as good a preacher as I ever was and as skilled a liturgist as I’ve ever been, but I feel, in some ways, as though I’m seeing the world differently.

I’m excited to be who I am. I’m excited at who I’ve become. I’m claiming back my identity and I will not surrender it again. Nobody will prevent me from being me. Not even myself.

With a shiny new haircut and a “go get ’em” attitude, I will have a new lease on life.

But right now it’s time for a cup of sleepytime tea and an early night. The only thing I’m after right now is my pillow…

For many years I have closed off parts of myself…parts that held secrets or had been damaged. Parts that I felt were no longer a part of me…that impeded me being who I have chosen to be.

Until recently…

Moving West has been, in many ways, a re-birth for me. When I was packing up the myriad of books that have traveled with me for decades, I came across my old sketch pad from the early days at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. The pastels were dried up and useless, and yet the drawings held as much emotion as they had when I first drew them. I must admit, at first I wasn’t sure what some of the images represented…and then I read the titles of the pieces…and a switch flicked.

I adore the mountains…and I’m feeling a creative part of myself awaken to capture them. I’m not artistically talented in any way, and I have no idea what the images will look like when they are finished…but I do look forward to the creative process once again.

My wardrobe consists of predominantly black and neutral pieces…the occasional burst of yellow or orange. I liken my wardrobe to that of a female robin…subdued. However, I do have one dress that is my favourite…it’s a subdued rainbow tie-dye dress that I absolutely adore. I bought it because it was on sale, and because it made me smile. And yet I didn’t wear it much because I was uncomfortable attracting attention to myself.

When I was paring down my wardrobe I had to keep the dress, which actually surprised me. That dress and a very feminine summer dress that I’ve had for decades made the cut. So far it’s not been warm enough to wear the summer dress although I have worn the rainbow dress a couple of times. In fact, I’m going to wear it for my induction with a light coloured clergy shirt.

I feel as though I am shedding the extra winter layers for the bright and beautiful promise of summer. I’m wearing dresses with shorts instead of tights, and I’m walking a little bit straighter, head a little bit higher. I’m stopping to smell and admire flowers and ask to pet dogs.

After a long, long, dark moment of grief I have emerged and reawakened — as a flower pushing against the newly warmed ground, seeking the sun and the promise of warmth on my skin…the feeling of rain refreshing and washing away the doubt and debris.

I am coming alive in ways I thought were finished for me…in ways I never imagined were possible, never mind wanted…and yet – here I am.

The colours that surround me seem brighter. The sun and sky clearer. The air sweeter. The water cooler. The grass smoother. After a long, hard hibernation, I am daring to push my head against that which has held me down and embrace the new life which flows from within me.